Vaccination continues in front of demolished health centre
Agamir Somoy Photo.
The vaccination programme is being continued in front of the rubble of the RADDA MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur, Dhaka, after the health centre was demolished under the cover of darkness at night.
The institution began vaccinating children at around 10:30am on Saturday by setting up tables and chairs and putting up tarpaulins in front of the gate.
As the building and various structures of the health centre have been demolished, the vaccination programme is now being conducted in an open space. This is causing difficulties for doctors, nurses and other health workers, as well as children and their parents who come to receive vaccines.
Ruhi Akter, a resident of Mirpur-1, came to the centre with her six-month-old baby for vaccination. She said, “After the incident, I thought the vaccination campaign would not continue. But when I came here, I saw that they had set up tables and chairs in the sun and were administering vaccines. This is causing us some inconvenience. However, it is very good that they are continuing the campaign despite the situation.”
Another child’s guardian, Hafsa Begum, said, “We come here for treatment most of the time. The costs are low, and they provide services to patients responsibly. Vaccinations are being administered today despite the demolition of the building. However, it is somewhat difficult to sit in the sun.”
Paramedic Mst. Farzana, who was on duty at the vaccination programme, said, “By 2:30pm, we had vaccinated 16 people. Whatever the situation may be, we will continue providing services.”
Community Health Director Iqbal Zillat Majid said, “We started the vaccination programme at 10:30am today. Our entire institution has now been reduced to rubble. Even the doctors’ rooms have been completely demolished. Our programme will continue tomorrow as well. We hope the hospital can be restored to its previous condition soon.”
Nasrina Akter, the institution’s executive director, told Agamir Somoy that the organisation had been operating under an agreement with the government since 1976. The agreement was subsequently extended for different terms. For nearly 50 years, the institution has been providing free primary healthcare, maternity care and family planning services to poor and disadvantaged mothers and children.
She said, “As a month-long vaccination programme was supposed to be held here, we are continuing the vaccination programme today outside the rubble as part of our commitment.”
A case has been filed with the police against the perpetrators in connection with the incident. She called on the government to quickly identify those involved and bring them to justice.
Earlier, shortly after midnight on Thursday, the office of the RADDA MCH-FP Centre in Section 1 of Mirpur was demolished using heavy machinery. The institution alleged that various office materials and vaccination equipment were also looted while the entire premises, including one permanent and three semi-permanent buildings, were demolished.
